The grants, which are for organizations across Maryland and in Washington, DC, support local healthcare-related quality improvement efforts.

Funding decisions for the 2015-2016 grants, which range from $10,000 to $40,000, were determined by a project's potential to impact access to quality healthcare and human services in the community. QHF selected this year's awardees from a wide range of projects that targeted underserved and at-risk populations.

"We are pleased to single out these organizations for their important quality improvement initiatives," said Brenda Crabbs, co-chair of the QHF board of directors. "Their work is perfectly aligned with our mission to improve the health status of individuals and communities. Although the amounts may seem modest, the impact can be great for these 14 charitable organizations."

The awards included a grant of $25,000 provided toAccess Carroll, a patient-centered and integrated medical home for low-income residents of Carroll County, which will support the costs of the pharmaceutical management program.

Channel Marker, a mental health support agency serving Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties, was awarded $40,000 to support its health home program.

The Community Ministries of Rockville received $25,000 for its Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic which provides quality healthcare and healthcare education to Montgomery County's low income uninsured and underinsured residents.

A grant of $25,000 was awarded to DeafMD to produce a series of health education videos in American Sign Language to increase the deaf community's knowledge of cardiovascular health including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, management, care and prevention of the disease.